How Much Do Shoulder Tattoos Cost?
The cost of a tattoo depends on various factors, such as size, placement, coloring, and design complexity. When it comes to the price of a shoulder tattoo, it also depends on these same factors.
So how much do shoulder tattoos cost?
A tattoo design with intricate details that covers the entire back of the shoulder typically costs around $1,000 to $1,700. On the other hand, a shoulder cap tattoo may cost between $800 and $1,500, while a small shoulder tattoo ranges from $200 to $500.
Shorter and simpler shoulder tattoo designs generally cost less. Conversely, a large ink design that covers the entire shoulder and requires multiple sessions will be significantly more expensive. Considering these factors, the cost of tattoos on the shoulder can vary. Therefore, continue reading this article to know more about an estimated price.
How Much Does a Shoulder Tattoo Cost? A Detailed Answer
As you may know, the shoulder is a big body part, and there is enough space to get a large-sized ink design. Therefore, a large tattoo design that takes 7 to 9 hours to complete will cost around $1,000 to $1,700.
On the other hand, a shoulder cap tattoo that takes 4 to 5 hours to complete will typically cost between $800 and $1,500. The cost of a small tattoo on the shoulder can range from $200 to $500.
Important Factors That Directly Impact the Cost of Tattoos
Size
The design size is one of the most important factors that impact the cost of a shoulder tattoo. A larger tattoo design will be more expensive than a smaller one. This makes sense because a large shoulder tattoo requires multiple sessions to finalize the tattoo, which naturally increases the cost. It is also essential to consider how you pay, whether it is an hourly rate or a fixed price.
Color vs. Black and Gray
Colors form the foundation of any tattoo design and influence the price of body artwork. Typically, a colored tattoo takes more time to saturate and achieve the desired final effect. On the other hand, a single black color is relatively easier to saturate. As a result, a multi-colored tattoo will generally cost more.
Tattoo Artist Experience
Choosing the right tattoo artist can make all the difference when getting a masterpiece body artwork. However, an experienced artist typically charges more than a beginner-level tattooist. Usually, a beginner to intermediate-level artist charges around $80 to $180 per hour, while a more experienced artist may charge between $150 and $250 per hour.
Studio Location
Shoulder tattoo prices also vary depending on the location. Usually, it differs from one place to another. For example, if you get an ink design in San Francisco, California, it will be more expensive. On the other hand, Mississippi and Kansas are more affordable places to get body artwork. However, in general, you typically pay the price for the tattoo you get.
Customization
A custom tattoo costs more than a ready-made design because customizing a design takes more time to finalize the process. This typically involves sketching, drawing, and refining the artwork until it satisfies the client’s vision. Furthermore, when it comes to custom tattoos, a simple design costs less, while a shoulder tattoo with complex details will be more expensive.
Shoulder Tattoos Price of Different Designs
Dragon Shoulder Tattoo
Dragon shoulder tattoos are quite popular among men, particularly in Chinese culture, as they believe it brings fortune and good luck. Generally, the cost of a dragon shoulder tattoo ranges between $400 and $1,700.
Flower Shoulder Tattoo
When it comes to a flower tattoo, there is no better choice than this ink design. Flower ink designs are perfect for females, as they symbolize love, beauty, grief, and various other emotions. Furthermore, there are endless choices available when it comes to flower ink designs. Usually, flower shoulder tattoos cost between $70 and $300.
Cost of Tiger Tattoo
If you’re an animal lover, there is no better choice than a tiger tattoo design. This fearless wild beast is especially ideal for females as it symbolizes strength, power, and freedom. The big cat is a perfect choice for the shoulder area because it provides a large canvas for a sizable tiger tattoo. However, this ink design will come at a higher cost due to its size and complexity, ranging between $700 and $1,700.
FAQ
Why is a shoulder tattoo the best?
The shoulder is an ideal location for larger-sized tattoo designs, not only for women but also for men. This tattoo is perfect for individuals who prefer bold statements on their bodies, as the shoulder is a more visible area. Moreover, getting a tattoo on this body part tends to be less painful due to the relatively lower number of nerve endings.
How much does an arm-shoulder tattoo cost?
An arm-shoulder tattoo can cost around $800 to $1,500, depending on the design size and other details.
How long should a shoulder tattoo take?
A large-sized shoulder ink design can take 7 to 9 hours, while a small-cap shoulder tattoo can take 4 to 5 hours.
Is it a good idea to get a shoulder tattoo?
The shoulder is one of the most prominent parts of the body, which makes it an excellent placement for a tattoo, especially for females. Furthermore, the design inked on the shoulder is easy to conceal if you wish to hide it.
Do shoulder tattoos hurt a lot?
Pain is a natural part of the tattooing process as it involves the injection of tattoo needles into the skin. However, the intensity of pain varies depending on the location of the body part and the individual’s pain tolerance. In the case of shoulder tattoos, the experience tends to be less painful due to the thinner skin and fewer nerve endings in that area.
Do shoulder tattoos fade?
Fading is a natural process for body artwork, and tattoos fade over time, including shoulder ink designs. However, the speed at which ink design fade depends on various factors such as sun exposure, aftercare, ink quality, and technique. To prevent tattoo fading, it is essential to use high-quality tattoo ink, follow proper aftercare guidelines, and protect the ink design from direct sunlight.
How big is a shoulder tattoo?
The size of a shoulder tattoo depends on different factors, including design, style, and personal preference. Moreover, as you know, the shoulder is a big part of the body, which provides a large area for tattooing. So you can get a small tattoo or a larger design on your shoulder.
Conclusion
Getting a shoulder tattoo is an excellent idea since it provides enough space to get any ink design. But when it comes to the price of shoulder tattoos, you should be ready to pay a significant amount. Usually, a larger-sized tattoo design can cost $1,000 to $1,700. At the same time, smaller ink designs cost anywhere between $200 to $500.
Evelyn Grace
Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!
Evelyn Grace
Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!